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Friday, 19 March 2010

Folksy Friday - Pretty Paisley

This week, some things you might not know about paisley, courtesy of Wikipedia, together with some lovely designs from Folksy sellers. Click on the pictures to be taken directly to the seller's shop.

Paisley Tree by Zebedee

Paisley or Paisley pattern is a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Indian and Persian origin, similar to half of the Yin yang symbol. The pattern is sometimes called "Persian pickles" by American traditionalists, especially quiltmakers, or "Welsh pears" in Welsh textiles as far back as 1888. Resembling a twisted teardrop, the kidney-shaped paisley is Persian and Indian in origin, but its western name derives from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland.

Paisley canvas by Boo Star Designs

It was popular in the European Baltic states between 1700 and 1800 and was thought to be used as a protective charm to ward off evil demons. However, in modern culture, the youth of these countries have used it as a symbol of rebellion.

Tangarine Hunter Gloves by Tamsyn Amber

Paisley was particularly popular during the Summer of Love, heavily identified with psychedelic style and the interest in Indian spirituality and culture brought about by the pilgrimage of The Beatles there in 1968. John Lennon had a Rolls Royce painted with the design in 1967. Also, Fender Guitars made a Pink Paisley version of their Telecaster guitar, by sticking paisley wallpaper onto the guitar bodies.